Plants Do They Purify the Air

There are two schools of thought on plant air purification. Some say they do and others say they don’t.

NASA in 1989 conducted a study on 12 plants to ascertain their ability to remove toxins from the air.  

Dr. B. C. “Bill” Wolverton a retired NASA scientist investigated the plant’s ability to purify the air.

Results of the Wolverton investigation.

Here are a few air-purifying plants paid link:

• Bamboo palm
• Lady palm
• Areca palm
• Dwarf date palm
• Chinese evergreen
• English ivy
• Ficus (rubber plant)
• Gerbera daisy
• Boston fern
• Janet Craig (Dracaena)
• Marginata
• Mass cane/Corn cane
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
• Peace lily
• Pot mum
• Warneckei

In the NASA study foliage and potting soil were tested. The chemicals tested were benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. Results were promising that plants did filter and improve air quality. Levels of filtration did vary according to the plant.

Later opinions differed, feeling the study did not accurately represent the many factors that could influence an uncontrolled environment in the real world.

Table of Contents

• Plants Can Trigger Allergies
• Plant Photosynthesis Purifies the Air
• 11 Plants Purify the Air at Night
• Mold In Plants
• Low Maintenance Air Plants
• Plants and VOCs
• In conclusion

Plants Can Trigger Allergies

Some plants can trigger allergic reactions because they release perfumed odors. Pollen is also a problem. It is a dust/powder formed by some plants when they reproduce. It is airborne and can spread easily. Making your life miserable if you are sensitive.

Symptoms it can cause:

• Sinus headaches
• Hay fever
• Hives
• Running nose or nasal congestion
• Coughing

Trees to avoid:

• Cedar
• Juniper
• Maple
• Birch
• Oak
• Pine
• Box elder
• Mulberry
• Willow
• Elm
• Ash

Weeds are another pollen producer; ragweed is just one there are many such examples. Contrary to some beliefs pollen is not just a summer or spring occurrence. Pollen can be produced in the winter and fall, depending on where you live. This could mean year-round allergies. But pollen may not be the only culprit. Mold, dust mites, insect feces, and saliva can add to the problem. Monitor the air quality and reduce exposure. Many over-the-counter medications provide relief. Check with your doctor and follow directions.

Plant Photosynthesis Purifies the Air

It is through the process of photosynthesis that plants can give us one of our life-sustaining resources and that is oxygen. Purifying the air

Sunlight is a crucial ingredient for a plant to complete the process of photosynthesis. By which the plant can make and get life-sustaining food.

It’s during the day plants and trees make oxygen.  It is released into the environment nurturing life around it. But as all things begin at some point they must end. When night falls, plants end the process of photosynthesis, and, start to release carbon dioxide into the air until daybreak when the cycle begins again.

11 Plants Purify the Air at Night

These 11 plants are an exception. They still produce some oxygen and help purify the air.  Here is a short list of those plants.

Mold In Plants

Yes, mold can rear its ugly head even with plants. If you plan on using plants to help purify home air. Avoid root and stem rot by not overwatering your plants. Flooding plants with water thinking you won’t have to water them as often will encourage mold growth creating another allergy trigger.

 Keep plants near light and air to discourage mold. Sprinkle cinnamon in the soil as a prevention.

Sunlight can help prevent mold by keeping a balance between moisture and dryness. The ultraviolet light also helps mitigate the potential for mold-forming bacteria.

Good ventilation can keep humid air moving preventing stagnation another source of mold.

You can easily keep track of humidity levels by purchasing a digital hygrometer. Most will also give you the temperature levels inside the home.

Plant mold can stunt plant growth. Prevention will allow your plants to blossom and bloom to their full potential.

Low Maintenance Air Plants

Not everyone likes the idea of dealing with soil-based or potted plants. Air plants are a wondrous variety requiring no soil to live and very little maintenance. You may be asking how they get the nutrients they need if there is no soil to provide them. Amazingly all the nutrients they need are provided from the water and air. Air plants like traditional plants also have roots but those roots are not used to absorb nutrients but instead to attach themselves to things. They have been credited with air purifying qualities. But they still need water to live and flourish. The same rules regarding light and overwatering still apply.

Here are just a few air plants paid link.

Plants and VOCs

Some plants have been found to release Volatile Organic compounds also known as VOCs. They can be harmful even causing cancer. The degree of harm will depend on the type of VOC emitted and the length of exposure. Future studies will provide more clarity on the connection between VOCs and plants.

In conclusion

Even though there is more than one school of thought as to whether plants purify the air.

There is evidence to support the idea that plants do improve our air not only from a layperson’s point of view but also in the scientific community. Research will continue in the scientific community and the layperson will continue to experiment and come to their conclusions based on personal experience.

But there are some things we do know.  Mold in plants is never good for our air quality.

Photosynthesis allows plants to provide life-giving oxygen.

Air plants are an option for those who prefer a low-maintenance option to traditional plants.

Volatile organic compounds, depending on the type, and length of exposure can be harmful, so, caution is wise.

Take care of your plants by providing sunlight, water, and essentials. In return, they will beautify your living space and improve it.